We are approaching a potentially intense Full Moon at 1 degree Sagittarius on Saturday May 21st at 2:15pm PST. The Moon will be conjunct Mars, and the Sun will be conjunct Venus. Full Moons always involve tension and polarity, but with Mars and Venus in the mix, the tension is doubled.

Mars represents the warrior and divine masculine, and Venus represents love and divine feminine. The masculine is not necessarily male, and the feminine is not necessarily female. We all have both energies within us. We need not accept what we’ve been taught is feminine or masculine. It’s high time we redefine these.

If we wish to truly overcome patriarchy, we need to become clear on what an exalted masculine and exalted feminine would look like, and how they might both stand together in their own power, in balance with one another.

With these planets in opposition at the Full Moon, they are talking to each other, face to face. Without awareness, they may butt heads, throw plates, yell and hate. But an opposition need not spell conflict: it’s a confrontation for sure, but an opportunity for reconciliation. How might they get along? If there was ever a time for nonviolent communication and deep listening (with yourself or another), this is it.

With Mars in retrograde, the warrior is wounded. If Mars is humbled, and has slowed slow down, then perhaps the confrontation with Venus will be more amiable. But if Mars has been pushing forward despite injuries and blocks, then there will be frustration and anger.

As the masculine comes to realize his involvement in the patriarchy, does he take responsibility and embody a higher form? Is he accountable for his actions? Does he seek to empower the feminine? Or is he afraid? Does he get defensive and egotistical in the face of feminine power? It takes courage to be compassionate, to acknowledge one’s faults, to imagine a new way.

The opposition may show up literally as arguments or tension in relationships. It may also impel toward excess (too much drinking, etc.). Or it may manifest as tension within. Perhaps tension between your assertion and receptivity, or anger and love.

The polarity between Sagittarius and Gemini is highlighted: information vs. intuition; fact vs. Truth. We can reconcile these by doing our research, feeding our curiosity, learning, looking, reading, talking. And then: looking within to our own truth. We can rationalize anything with enough information and facts. At the end of the day, we have to feel into truth, we have to turn away from information, turn within and find a deeper knowing.

Mercury stations direct on Saturday adding to the potency of the Full Moon. When a planet stations (stands still before changing directions), it’s themes are highlighted, so we may glimpse some insight as to the lessons from Mercury’s retrograde through Taurus. What have we learned in the past few weeks about our values and desires? Starting next week, we’ll be renewing our commitments and contracts after dialogue and negotiation.

We are creating a new world whether we know it or not, whether we want to or not. The present is made from the dreams of those before. What do our hearts and minds hold and how will that shape our future?